The local Brass Tacks Ensemble was founded in 1999 by a trio of actors who shared a love of Shakespeare and a proclivity for dark, offbeat humor. They offer Chekov’s play “The Seagull” at Kerrytown Concert House Thursday-Saturday.

Brass Tacks sums up the show’s plot like so: “Vacation by the lake - a summer idyll? Or a train wreck? Will the young playwright romance his muse? Will the diva get a ride to the station? Can the doctor get rid of his patients? It’s soap opera with Russian dressing as we peer into this game of lives.”

Brass Tacks includes Amanda Barnett, Nan Bauer, Isaac Ellis, Cydney Heed, Lauren Hoag, Allan Guilpain, Robin Kalellis, Greg Kovas, Joseph McDonald, Jeffrey Miller, Jahmeel Powers, Rob Sulewski, Anne S. Rhoades and Rachel Robbins Toon.

The name Brass Tacks is emblematic of the organization’s desire to strip things down to their essence, or to “get down to brass tacks.” Traditionally done in a serious/ dramatic fashion, this production approaches “The Seagull” with a lighter touch.

Brass Tacks Ensemble presents “Seagull” at Kerrytown Concert House Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 1-3, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5-$15. Details, reservations at www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com or 734-769-2999.